By Joy Omagha Idam
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) in partnership with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) organized a one-day Capacity-Building workshop for journalists from different media houses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 framework.
The training aimed to deepen journalists’ understanding of the Nigeria’s new tax reforms, equip them with skills to analyze emerging gaps, and strengthen their ability to report complex tax issues in a clear and accessible manner and break this down to their audience.
Nancy Humphrey, in her welcome address, emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of tax policies and ensuring accountability in Nigeria’s fiscal system. She noted that the consolidation of multiple tax regimes into a digital-first framework requires informed reporting to prevent misinformation and enhance civic engagement.
Chinedu Bassey presented an in-depth breakdown of the consolidated Nigeria Tax Acts, highlighting their purpose, design, and expected impact. He explained that the new unified tax code seeks to modernize tax administration, eliminate duplication, and boost Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio.
Akin Adeniyi, an expert, analyzed the gaps and challenges within the new tax law, warning that the unitary design conflicts with Nigeria’s federal structure. He stressed that cooperative federalism, not centralized enforcement, will determine the reform’s long-term success.
Journalists participated in group sessions, discussing strategies for improving public enlightenment and simplifying complex tax policies for everyday Nigerians. The workshop concluded with a plenary session where groups presented their findings and shared reporting strategies.
The organizers presented a follow-up plan involving ongoing engagements and media dialogues to sustain awareness around Nigeria’s tax reforms.